The Department of Transportation is currently conducting an investigation into Delta Air Lines to ensure that the airline is appropriately addressing consumer concerns following a series of flight cancellations related to a recent global tech outage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all airline passengers. In a statement shared on social media, he noted that his department had received “hundreds of complaints” regarding Delta’s response to the technological disruptions.
Delta, based in Atlanta, has faced significant operational challenges after a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on Thursday impacted various businesses globally. This defective update affected Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, causing many corporate users to experience system inaccessibility and the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.”
The incident had widespread repercussions across numerous industries, with airlines and airports experiencing particularly severe impacts. On Friday alone, over 46,000 flights were delayed and 5,171 were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, with Delta facing the brunt of the disruption.
Delta Airlines reported the cancellation of approximately 3,500 flights over the course of Friday and Saturday. Following this, the airline canceled more than 2,500 flights on Sunday and Monday, while also experiencing delays for an additional 3,441 flights. On Tuesday, at least 738 flights were either canceled or delayed.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian addressed the situation in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that canceling flights is always considered a last resort. He expressed regret to all customers affected by the disruptions, reinforcing Delta’s commitment to facilitating travel connections around the world.
Bastian explained that Delta relies on numerous applications tied to Microsoft Windows, which included a crew tracking tool that was hindered by the system shutdown. To assist impacted customers, Delta has implemented a travel waiver allowing flight changes without fees, as well as providing meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.